The Washington Commanders came up short in their bid to end the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak. At one point in the second quarter, the Commanders produced 11 first downs to the Ravens’ one and trailed 7-6.
Washington’s failure to execute, specifically in the red zone, eventually came home to roost and the game turned on its end the minute Anthony Brown relieved starter Tyler Huntley and started picking apart Jack Del Rio’s secondary.
It’s never fun watching a loss, but it was refreshing to see the Commanders’ second, third and fourth-stringers give it all on every play. Of course, that isn’t a surprise. With 53-man rosters due late Tuesday afternoon, the majority of players who saw significant playing time Saturday were fighting for their jobs.
While some players squandered their opportunities, these players came to play and bolstered their case to make the final roster.
3 Commanders who bolstered case for 53-man roster vs Ravens
3. Jaret Patterson
Patterson faces long odds to make Washington’s final roster with Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic ahead of him on the depth chart, but Saturday night made it pretty obvious he shouldn’t be playing in the preseason.
Reggie Bonnafon got the start, but Patterson was clearly the superior runner and out-gained Bonnafon in the first half despite getting less carries. The 2021 undrafted free agent out of Buffalo knows how to manufacture positive gains despite being undersized and is quietly sure-handed as a receiver.
Patterson took reins of the backfield in the second half and it’s no surprise the Commanders’ running game had more sizzle.
Washington would admittedly be better off keeping an extra safety, offensive linemen or linebacker than four running backs, but nobody would bat an eyelash if Patterson found himself on the 53-man roster for the second consecutive year.
We’d hate to see him claimed by another club if he’s released, but we suppose that comes with the territory of boasting a deep RB room.
2. Dax Milne
Milne isn’t the flashiest receiver on the roster, but he’s been a model of consistency operating out of the slot. It’s pretty simple: Milne catches the ball when it’s thrown to him. That’s the primary job of a receiver and the 2021 seventh-round pick has come through time after time during camp and the preseason.
If Milne’s roster spot wasn’t already secure, it likely is after Saturday night. In the first half, the BYU product caught all four of his targets (which led the team) for 37 yards. Remember, Ron Rivera dubbed Milne as one of the Commanders’ standout performers of the preseason earlier this week.
"“A guy that’s really shined, but we have always felt good about him is Dax Milne,” Rivera said. “I think Dax has played very well in both preseason games and has flashed in a lot of ways and has gotten our attention; he really has.”"
With Dyami Brown having a case of the drops, Milne became Sam Howell’s go-to target and unsurprisingly delivered. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Cam Sims are ahead of Milne on the depth chart, but he fully deserves to be fifth in the pecking order.
Remember, Adam Humphries played a somewhat important role for the offense last season (41 catches for 393 yards). If memory serves me right, he operated out of the slot and I wouldn’t mind Milne filling his shoes this time around.
1. Jeremy Reaves
Reaves certainly isn’t the most talented player in Washington’s secondary, but he treats every snap like it’s his last and always makes a play. Saturday night was no different as the 25-year-old fan favorite finished with five tackles, which led the team and all came in the first half.
Reaves nearly hauled in an interception early in the first quarter if not for a penalty and made arguably the play of the game from the Commanders’ defense when he blew up a running play in the backfield on third down.
For the fifth consecutive season, Reaves finds himself on the roster bubble and we even highlighted him as a player who had everything to play for vs Baltimore. Credit where it’s due, because Reaves showed up in spades … which isn’t all that surprising given he’s always playing with a chip on his shoulder.
If it were up to us, Reaves would be on the 53-man roster. Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler offer intriguing upsides as versatile backups, but Reaves is a seasoned pro who packs a punch against the run and can hold his own in coverage.
Reaves should hold his head high with this performance.